Road Trip - Ten Things To Do Before You Drive Off
December 1st, 2008

Road trips are great fun for all. The freedom you feel being on the road, the camaraderie you feel with your car mates, and the simple joy you get from visiting places you've never seen before are all great things about being on a trip. Before you head out, though, there are a number of things you should consider.

First, look at the maps and plan your route carefully. Planning is the first good step, but researching those routes another part of this step. The research can help you decide if you need to plan a back-up route. For example, if you intend to drive on a certain interstate for a long period of time, and that interstate is under extensive construction, it might be important to plan another route in case you need a quicker way that is not currently under construction. From there, you might jot down some notes about your route so that you are not trying to look at a large road map while driving. This can be both cumbersome and dangerous.

Second, make some guesses (educated ones) of travel times along your route. There are many new Internet websites that can help you do this. Estimating travel time can help you decide where you might be when so you have a better idea of when you'll be able to stop for gas, to use the facilities, and when you'll want to eat. You may want to plan your stops that involve food with major towns, as many of the rural towns across America do not have restaurants.

Third, have the mechanic check out your car. You want to be sure all of the belts, hoses, and fluid levels are within good driving parameters. It is also a good idea to have the oil changed. This can help to keep you from serious problems while you are on the road. Don't wait until a few days before you leave for your trip to do this, because it can take some serious time to get the appointment, and if you do have a problem, it may take extra time to get things fixed. You may want to do a little driving around your town, too, to be sure that whatever the shop has fixed remains repaired. You'd hate to get stranded twelve miles into your trip.

Fourth, be sure your car is prepared for the season you'll be traveling in. For example, if you intend to visit a snowy region in the winter you may need snow chains and extra anti-freeze in your car. If you intend to visit the desert in the summer, you air conditioning system may need more coolant fluid. It is important to take into account both the weather you will be driving in and the weather at your destination.

Fifth, if you have a wheel lock instead of a hubcap, be sure you know where your key is. A flat tire is one of the most common problems people encounter on the road. It can be impossible to change if you have a wheel lock and no key. It can be fairly standard maintenance if you know where your key is.

Sixth, have your car cleaned. You probably plan to be in your car for a long period of time, and both you and your passengers will feel better in a clean car. Don't forget that you won't only be traveling in your car while you're trying to get to your destination, you'll probably be traveling in your car once you reach your destination as well. Having a clean car can make that a bit nicer.

Seventh, pack an extensive emergency kit in your vehicle. You want to be sure to include things like motion sickness pills, pain relievers, and bandages. It might even be a good idea to include those new instant ice and cold packs. These chemically activated products can be really helpful when you're nowhere near an emergency clinic.

Eighth, find some entertainment to take along. You have a number of choices in this arena. You can listen to old radio shows on cassette or CD. You can take along some of your favorite tunes to jam to as you're flying down the highway. You can even watch DVDs on a portable player if that's what you're into. If you want to go a bit old fashioned, you can have a sing along or tell stories. Anything to make the time pass will be helpful to you.

The ninth tip for preparing for a road trip is to check your vehicle licensing and insurance information. Be sure both you and your vehicle are properly licensed before you set out. This can save you a lot of hassle if you get stopped on the road. You should also have your insurance information handy in case you are in an accident. A one eight hundred number might be helpful to you in that situation.

The final tip for preparing for a road trip is to fill the car with gas before you pack and leave so the fumes won't bother your passengers. While you're at it, it is a good idea to go ahead and check the tire pressure. It can change the gas mileage on your car throughout the trip

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